In-depth Review of BackBlaze Online Backup

Overview and History

BackBlaze have just the one option which provides unlimited storage for $5 each month or $50 per annum. Their approach to internet backups is fairly unusual because they presume you would like to backup all your personal files - documents, music, pictures, videos, etc. - so you have to remove files you do not require backed up. The program offers support for 11 languages and file restores can be delivered from the internet or for a fee can be mailed to you on DVDs or a USB drive.

Feature Set

Security

BackBlaze security is something they are very proud of. They use double encryption systems involving 128bit AES encryption and a private key to gaurantee your data is truly protected.

Physically, BackBlaze's data center is in 365 Main Datacenter where they share space with Sun Micro, CNet and Esurance amongst others.

For extra info. about their security, see this entry on their blog

Backup Features

Initially BackBlaze uses continuous backup to guarentee all amendments to your files are immediately archived. You can also enable scheduling or manually kick off backups whenever you require.

Open files can be archived, however, server databases such as SQL server or Exchange Server are not supported. You can archive plug-in drives but not network drives. File versioning is available upto 45 days for unlimited versions of files.

Restore Features

Restores are performed from the internet portal and can be provided in 3 ways: A compressed file directly to any device you wish - this is free. The second option is to DVD if you are restoring less than 4Gb of data - this will cost you $99. Or if you are restoring additional data, they will send you a portable drive and charge you $189.
These options seem quite steep but most Internet Backup Providers do not even offer these options.

Control and Analysis

A central control panel is provided on the internet site that allows management of multiple accounts. Within the client program you can see details of files waiting to be archived as well as summary graphs of what has already been backed up.

Interface

The web and client interfaces are simple and easy to use. Information is provided in a clear and concise way and there are a reasonable amount of options without there being a bombardment.

Device Support

Current BackBlaze supports MAC and PC platforms only.

Limitations

None.

File Sharing and Collaboration

None.

Synchronization

With web site but not between computers.

Web 2.0 Integration

None.

Customer Support

There is no direct support, i.e., phone or live chat. But there is email support which is quickly responded to and the tech. support people are friendly and well-informed. There is also a Blog full of useful information.

For self-help there is some documentation - although the system is so easy that more documentation would be fairly pointless. There is also an FAQ section and the free trial which lasts 2 weeks, so you have loads of time to assess the service before committing your whole five dollars per month!

Ease of Use

BackBlaze is really straightforward to use, if you leave it at the default settings, then it will backup all your personal data from all your attached drives automatically. If you need to change things then the options screens are well laid out and easy to navigate.

Cost

Initial setup - free
Monthly Fee - $5 / mth / device
Annual Cost - $50 / year / device
Initial permitted storage amount - unlimited
Cost of additional storage - n/a
Cost of additional devices / PCs / users - $5 / mth / device
Referral Program - No
E-billing facility - Yes

Conclusion

BackBlaze is quick to setup and use. The experience of setting up BackBlaze was similar to jumping on a frisky horse: The problem is not getting started; the problem is trying to keep up! After BackBlaze is installed it immediately scans your locally connected drives, locates your personal files such as documents, pictures, music, etc. and immediately begins to back them up for you. It's comparable to having your very own over-eager Jeannie desperate to get the job done.

The cost is really cheap and while there are quite a lot of customer support options not provided, the available support is very well done and their technical staff are helpful and friendly.

If you are looking for a straightforward online backup solution at a fixed price then BackBlaze is well worth considering.

In-depth Review of SpiderOak Online Backup and Sync

Overview and History

SpiderOak is a privately held business who are headquartered in Northbrook, Illinios and were formed in December 2007. SpiderOak provide an Online Backup, Online Synchronization and Online Sharing Service which gives 100Gb of web storage for ten dollars a month and you can have upto 1.5Tb of storage in 100Gb chunks, each chunk requiring an additional $10 a month.

Feature Set

Security

SpiderOak put security enormously seriously. Unsatisfied with 256bit AES encryption on information when transferring and on their servers; they additionally shield your information by using 2048bit RSA password encryption. That's about as secure as you can get.

They additionally provide 'zero-knowledge' information encryption which means that at at every stage, there is absolutely no way that anybody - even SpiderOak staff - are able to view any of your data, not even the folder and file names.

Physically, their data center - which is owned by them rather than outsourcing - is curring edge with redundancy at all stages and multiple high speed connections to internet service providers. They in addition offer geographically redundant protection (where your information is stored in multiple data centers located in different parts of the world at the same time) for an extra cost.

Backup Features

SpiderOak uses a storage redundancy methodology that means only one copy of a unique file is held on their servers. If you have the same file in separate folders, then they leave a marker in each folder but only store one original. This reduces the quantity of space you require and allows SpiderOak to store unlimited file versions of any document but only stores and uploads the differences between the editions.

This makes uploads much quicker and reduces the amount of storage space required. For additional control over file versions, there is an ability to erase old versions as and when you wish to.

SpiderOak archives desktops, laptops and servers running MAC, windows or Linux; In addition to network drives and removable media all from a single account. Simply choose a drive for archiving and SpiderOak will monitor the drive for changes and new items and append them to your archive queue.

Click here for a short video about SpiderOak's archive features.

Restore Features

Since SpiderOak is a backup and synchronization product, you have instant internet access to any version of any file you have ever archived. If the file you need to restore is a synced file, then it will also be on any other device that you have setup for synchronization.

There is an option within the client program to retain a copy of all archived data blocks in a location of your choosing, this can be a local folder or an FTP or sFTP server. This allows for much faster restores if bandwidth is limited or restricted. SpiderOak will always check this location for restore blocks before retrieving from the offsite storage.

Control and Analysis

The desktop client provides details of which files are currently being backed up, what activities are being carried out within your SpiderOak network, a log of all the past activity and statistics including the total amount of storage being used within your SpiderOak network.

On the control side, the desktop software permits you to limit the maximum size of individual files that can be backed up and to not backup files older than a stated time as well as options to exclude specific files and folders.

Scheduling can be managed for archive, synchronization and sharing functions and can be set to anything from automatic to once every 2 days. When set to automatic any alteration to files within the backup, sync or share sets will be instantly addedapended to the upload list.

The SpiderOak client can use Proxy servers using the Network tab on the preferences screen. The amount of internet bandwidth that SpiderOak uses can be managed from the Network tab.

Interface

The desktop client interface is very comprehensive, there are five tabs:

• Status - provides information of shares, syncs and backups from all of the computers associated with your account. As well as the total amount of your current storage allowance being used.
• Backup - this is where you choose which files to backup on the current machine.
• View - This shows currently backed up files and folders for each of the computers in your SpiderOak network and lets you to download any file or folder as a compressed (zip) file.
• Sync - This tab lets you to setup or configure sync jobs between PCs in your SpiderOak network.
• Share - The final tab manages and shows the status of shares.

The internet portal is a lot more straightforward: It displays a simple tree structure of files and folders organized under each computer that is a part of your SpiderOak network.

Device Support

SpiderOak currently supports computers using Linux, Windows or MAC. This includes server operating systems.

File Sharing and Collaboration

SpiderOak uses a facility called ShareRooms which lets you share your information . Changes to any files in ShareRooms are automatically available to all members of the ShareRoom and changes are appended to an newsfeed so members can be kept up-to-date with the latest changes.

The files and folders in a ShareRoom can be from any machine within your SpiderOak network, not just files synced to the online portal. When a ShareRoom is created it is assigned a unique web address which you can distribute to anyone you want to access the ShareRoom or you may ask people to login to SpiderOak's website using the ShareRoom username and password created when the ShareRoom was setup.

Synchronization

SpiderOak has synchronization at its heart: You are allowed to have an unlimited number of PCs in a single account and configure all of them to synchronize with a central repository.

It is possible to configure separate synchronization zones for your data and the whole system is protected in their impressive encryption blanket.

Web 2.0 Integration

Not at this time.

Customer Support

There is no telephone or live chat, however, the email support is great as is the forum and blog.

The list of non-interactive support options is fairly wide:

• Documentation
• FAQs
• Demos
• Testimonials
• Tutorials
• Case Studies

There is also a free edition which offers 2Gb of storage.

Ease of Use

You can sign up, download the SpiderOak program, and be protected by SpiderOak in under five minutes. The client is chic, easy to use and offers loads of information without overwhelming you. Shares, synchronizations and backups are all easy to setup and monitor.

Cost

Initial setup - free
Monthly Fee - $10 / mth / 100Gb
Annual Cost - $100 / year / 100Gb
Initial allowed storage amount - 100Gb
Cost of additional storage - $10 / 100Gb
Cost of additional devices / PCs / users - unlimited
Referral Program - Yes
E-billing facility - Yes

Conclusion

SpiderOak gives a great way to backup, synchronize and share data from an unlimited amount of devices with a single account. The pricing is very reasonable and because more storage is always available in tidy 100Gb chunks you never have to worry about running out of growing space.
Add to this the unlimited file versioning and easy restore options and SpiderOak is a real winner. The only downside is that portable devices such as iPhones and PDAs are not currently supported. However, if you are using Windows, MAC or Linux devices that need to share or sync files then SpiderOak is an excellent choice.

Review of Acronis Online Backup

Overview and History

Acronis started in 2001. Originally they concentrated on drive partitioning programs, then expanded their scope into the archiving and disaster recovery fields and now encompass the whole area of computer protection. Their most well known product: Acronis True Image is intended to backup hard drives, network drives and external media. In 2010 they released Acronis Backup and Recovery 10 for large business clients.
The Acronis Online backup solution was released in 2010 and can be setup as a standalone program or as part of the Acronis True Image Suite. This is Acronis' first offering in the online storage world and marks a big step in securing your data.

Feature Set

Security

Security is government grade: Data is secured with 256 AES encryption both during transfer and when help in their data centers. You can pick an encryption password which keeps your information even more protected . A note of warning: if you forget the password you will lose all the information you have backed up. So keep it safe!

Backup Features

Acronis Online Backup is a no nonsense backup scheduling service. When you have downloaded and run the client utility, simply choose the files and folders you wish to backup and then either set a schedule for the files to be backed up or select the 'Back Up Now' button. The client does back up open / in use files yet appears not to use 'block level incremental backups' which means that whole files will be archived not just the parts of the files that have been changed. This will mean that backups are slower than some other Online Backup providers.
File versioning is available and an unlimited amount of editions can be stored for up to 45 days. It is possible to set an exact number of editions to store.

Restore Features

Restores can be performed from either the client software or from the web portal. Either way, there is the ability to select which edition of a file you would like to retrieve. When selected, the file is returned to you as a zip (compressed) file which means you can save it anywhere you want.
If you have archived files multiple times in a day, then a scrollbar at the bottom of the client and online portal interfaces display the times of each successful backup and allows you to select these times to restore files from that particular backup.

Control and Analysis

If you use Acronis Online Backup in conjunction with another Acronis Product such as Acronis True Image then Online Backup flawlessly combines with the parent product and you have access to all the reporting, logging and controls from the parent application. If you use Acronis Online Backup as a standalone product, then there is no reporting or logging.
CPU System resource throttling can be set to Low, Medium or High and web bandwidth can be set to any limit you like. Proxy servers are also supported. Backup alerts can be sent to multiple email addresses and you can set up the client to perform pre- and post jobs, this can be very useful if lets say you want to backup a database to the local drive so it can be included in the online backup.

Interface

The client interface on the standalone edition is very simple and displays how much of your storage allowance you have used on each of up to five machines at a glance. It additionally displays when the next scheduled backup will take place. The web portal interface is almost identical to the client interface with the exception of the backup options.

Device Support

Currently only supports Windows client operating systems.

Limitations

No support for MAC, mobile devices or server platforms.
No way to extend past the 250Gb allowance.
No way to add more than 5 PCs to an account.

File Sharing and Collaboration

None.

Synchronization

Synchronization to the web portal but not between PCs.

Web 2.0 Integration

None.

Customer Support

Customer Support options are:

• LiveChat
• Knowledgebase
• Forums
• Email a question from a internet form
• Self-help options are: User Guides, FAQs, Demo, Tutorials and Testimonials
• Telephone support can be purchased on a per incident basic for $11.84.

Ease of Use

The client is straightforward to configure and very easy to run. The interface makes managing up to 5 PCs very easy and gives an instant overview of how much information has been archived for each PC as well as how much you have left. The interface is bright and uncluttered with no learning curve needed to get up and running.

Cost

• Initial setup is free
• Monthly Fee: $3.95 / mth
• Yearly Cost: $39.95 / year
• Initial storage allowance: 250Gb
• Number of PCs allowed: Up to 5 PCs can share the 250Gb allowance.
• Charge for additional storage: n/a
• Cost of extra devices / PCs / users: n/a
• E-billing facility: Yes
• Free Version / Free Trial: There is a 2 month free trial which gives 2Gb of archive space.
• Hidden costs: Phone support can be purchased on a single incident basis for $11.84.

Conclusion

This is Acronis' first try at an internet backup solution and I think they have done rather well. The fact that the utility can be standalone or integrated into the existing client software is a brilliant touch and gives flexibility for users. There are a few items absent from the standalone version, for example reporting and centralized control of all PCs within one account. But these will probably become available in time.

The single plan offers a generous 250Gb of storage for a very reasonable cost and the client can be setup to use as much or as little resource and bandwidth as you wish. The interface is clear and easy to use and file restoring is quick and reliable.

To sum up Acronis have made a solid, straightforward and very reliable online backup solution at a great price which is underpinned by the Acronis name: A worldwide leader in backup technology. A great option from a great name.
If you want even more security, then buy one of their suites , such as Acronis True Image Home and get complete PC protection.

Review of Data Deposit Box Online Backup

Overview and History

The first utility for Data Deposit Box was invented by Tim Jewell and Rob Schenkel. In 2002, Tim and Rob joined with Jamie Brenzel to create Acpana Business Systems Inc. In 2003, they launched Data Deposit Box to the general public. They are home office in Toronto, Canada and have a USA office in New York.
They offer a single plan which gives easy, low pricing and makes Data Deposit Box very attractive to both individuals and companies needing a easy, smart archive solution.

Feature Set

Security

Data Deposit Box provide the best security I have seen. Your information is encrypted with Blowfish 448bit encryption both during transfer and when stored in their data centers - that equates to bank and military grade protection! As well as that, your data are moved using a special protocol invented specifically for web archiving.
Also you are provided with your own logon details that create a unique encryption key and ensure that no one - not even the administrators at Data Deposit Box - can access your files.
On the physical side, your data is held in a carrier grade (that's the highest grade) data center with redundant hardware at every level, fire suppression systems and 24x7 real guards.

Archiving Features

Data Deposit Box own a patent on their Continuous Backup System which waits for files to be altered, copies the changes, compresses them , encrypts them and securely transfers them to their data centers. This allows for faster backups and lets open files such as Outlook to be backed up without closing the program first.
File versioning is active: By default 3 copies of all files will be kept, yet this can be amended to a maximum of 28 if so required. Yet, each version - which just holds the alterations from the previous version - counts towards your storage amount.
When first installed, Data Deposit Box automatically picks several folders in your local profile: My Documents, Desktop, Favorites, and Outlook Express. You can easily change, add or delete folders from the backup list by using the client software.

Restore Features

Restores are very straightforward, simply right-click the Data Deposit Box icon in the system tray and click Restore. Now navigate to the folder you want to recover, right-click and select restore.
Previous versions of files can be retrieved via the internet site.

Control and Analysis

There is a clever function called: 'Backup and Resume': Backups automatically wait when the keyboard or mouse is active to give more processor speed and internet bandwidth. When the keyboard and mouse are idle for a while, the backup will continue from where it left off.

Interface

The client program interface is rather old-style - nearly to the point of retro - and looks very corporate. However, it operates well, used few resources and shows you all the information you need.
The internet site is rather prettier yet also feels very corporate. That said, it does offer a wealth of information and configuration options. There is even a Corporate Administration section where you can setup all the users you need to use the service.
The reporting section tells you exactly what has been archived and when. The My Data area uses a straightforward tree navigation system to hunt down any of your archived data along with a search function in case you can't remember where a particular file is hiding.

Device Support

At the time of writing there is support for MACs and PCs via the client. Any online enabled device can access the backed up files but the devices are unable to be backed up themselves.

Limitations

The more you archive, the more you have to pay.

File Sharing and Collaboration

Private file sharing is enabled on the online site and can be configured on individual files or entire folders. Each share can be given a unique password and this can be sent out along with a unique internet address to allow access to the specific files and folders you want shared. There is also an online photo album feature that can be shared in the same way. In both cases, files can be viewed and downloaded but not amended.
Public file sharing and file collaboration is unavailable.

Synchronization

Synchronization is only available from the desktop software to the web portal. Not between devices.

Web 2.0 Integration

None.

Customer Support

Phone support is available in standard business hours. There is a lack of live chat, forum or blog. However, you can contact support using email or by completing the internet form. They seem very keen on self-help and offer a detailed knowledgebase / FAQs section. There are also testimonials, tutorials, a demo and webinars available.
There is not a free version, however, there is a 15 day trial.

Ease of Use

Both the internet and client interfaces are straightforward to navigate around and use. Once setup, you really don't notice the desktop client working accept for the icon in the system tray gently blinking to indicate a backup is underway. There are loads of options available, however, everything is well laid out and looks good - if a bit retro.

Cost

• Initial setup: free
• Monthly Cost: $2 / Gb / mth
• Initial permitted storage amount: unlimited
• Cost of additional storage: $2 / Gb / Mth
• Cost of additional devices / PCs / users: unlimited
• Referral Program: Yes. $10 is credited to your account and the account of the people you refer once they pay their first invoice.
• E-billing facility: Yes
• Hidden cost: File versions add towards your storage usage, so only set versioning to the amount you actually need.

Conclusion

Overall Data Deposit Box is a solid, really secure online archive service. The client's styling is a touch dated but it has that 'built to last' feel which gives the impression that this product will never let you down and will last forever. The backup features are great, although the lack of an ability to schedule backups is a bit hard to get used to. During testing, the first archive of 2Gb of data took a long time: Over 4 hours, yet this has to be weighed against the point that there was nearly zero processor or bandwidth reduction because the client stops whenever you use the PC.
The pricing is good if you have a small amount of data that requires protecting on several computers. If you have a lot of data then this program could get quite expensive. Additionally you will need to watch data expansion if you want to control costs.
The private sharing and photo album abilities are nice touches yet it would be better to see this expanded by links with internet document services like Google Docs and Zoho as well as photo editing services.
As a final summary we would say that Data Deposit Box is a great solution if you have a small amount of data spread across multiple machines. If you have a lot of data then there are cheaper solutions available.

Review of ElephantDrive Online Backup Solution

Overview and History

ElephantDrive was setup by a group of techies who are passionate about creating world class programs and excited by the challenges of storing, securing, and protecting massive amounts of data. ElephantDrive are headquartered in LA and have worked together for several years designing and providing web applications.

Currently they have 1 free edition, 2 home editions, 2 business accounts and corporate options.

Feature Set

Security

Files being moved to and from their servers are protected with 128bit SSL encryption; which is the industry standard. When on their servers your information is protected using 256 AEG encryption. You can use a personal encryption key to further secure your data.

Backup Features

Open and locked files can be backed up in the business editions but not in the home editions. Portable hard drives can be in all {editions except the Home edition, yet network drives can be archived in the Professional accounts.
Backups can be continuous or scheduled, if continuous, then only files that are amended are archived. Backups can be setup to backup by folder or by file type. There is a program called TrunkManager that permits you to transfer files directly from your computer to the ElephantDrive using either drag-and-drop or by choosing the data you would like to move and select the upload or download buttons.

File versioning is automatically setup however the number of versions allowed depends on the edition used:

• home edition gives 3 file versions
• home pro edition allows up to 10 versions
• pro edition allows 20 versions
• pro plus edition gives unlimited versions

Restore Features

Files can be recovered via either the 'TrunkManager' or the internet. Either way, navigate to the file you wish to restore and drag-and-drop the data to your computer. If you want to restore a particular version, then click on the item and pick 'Version History'. Then just pick the version you want to retrieve. Restores start almost instantly.

Control and Analysis

All backup jobs can be stopped, paused or resumed any time from the desktop client Progress Report. This is also where you will find the error and transfer logs. Processor and bandwidth usage are determined by the client program, yet you can set throttling to on, off or scheduled for specific times.

Interface

The ElephantDrive can be setup as a logical drive letter using the software installed alongside the client software. The online portal provides access to your whole backed up file list and you can view and restore different file versions from here.
The Pro Plus account provides centralized administration functionality and all versions allow use of Proxy servers.

Device Support

MAC OS X and higher
Windows 7, Vista, 2003, XP, 2000
Linux support is being developed

Limitations

Maximum file size: Home - 1Gb; Home Plus - 2Gb; Pro - 2.5Gb; Pro Plus - 5Gb
Maximum Monthly Transfer Limit: Home and Home Plus - 100Gb; Pro - 1Tb; Pro Plus - 2Tb
Maximum Number of Computers: Home - 1; Home Pro - 4; Pro - 10; Pro Plus - 20

File Sharing and Collaboration

Any file uploaded to your ElephantDrive can be privately shared by selecting the file in Trunk Explorer and choosing share. Then simply add the email addresses of the people you would like to share the file with and they will get a unique web address to the file. Public File sharing is not supported.
ElephantDrive does not support collaboration.

Synchronization

PCs sync to the online portal however not directly to each other.

Web 2.0 Integration

At this time ElephantDrive does not have connections with any web utilities or social network sites.

Customer Support

Self-help support is good: Options are a knowledgebase, forum and blog for chatting with other users and ElephantDrive staff. To answer common questions there is a excellent FAQ section and the user documentation is also very good. There are tutorials, testimonials, demos, webinars and case studies.
You may contact ElephantDrive privately: Either using email or by filling in the web form. There is telephone support however only by appointment. I found their customer support very helpful, knowledgeable and eager to help.

Ease of Use

Both the web portal and the client program are very simply to use. If you can use windows explorer, then you can use ElephantDrive. Adding files to backup sets and restoring data is intuitive and easy. Mapping ElephantDrive as a local drive took a bit of finding however when setup it behaves like any other network drive.

Cost

• Initial setup cost: free
• Monthly Cost: Home - $4.95/mth; Home Plus - $9.95/mth; Pro - $34.95/mth; Pro Plus - $99.95/mth
• Yearly Cost: Home - $49.95/yr; Home Plus - $99.50/yr; Pro - $349.95/yr; Pro Plus - $999.95/yr
• Initial allowed storage quota: Home, Home Plus - unlimited; Pro - 1Tb; Pro Plus - 2Tb
• Cost of additional storage: - n/a
• Cost of additional devices / PCs / users: n/a
• E-billing facility: Yes

Conclusion

ElephantDrive is a smooth and streamlined archive client. While it is extremely well made and does its job well, it would be ever better to see some web 2.0 integration to permit alteration of files directly from the web portal. At this point ElephantDrive is a solid, effective and reliable Online Backup Solution, yet I can't shake the feeling that there is so much more the service could be offering. We would love to see ElephantDrive develop into a full-blown Online Storage and Collaboration Service. We will have to wait and see what happens. For the moment, if you would like a very reliable, fast and easy Online Backup Solution then ElephantDrive is an perfect choice.

Review of iDrive
Online Backup

Overview and History

iDrive is a utility of Pro Softnet Corporation, an ASP and Internet Solutions Provider based in Woodland Hills, CA. Since its incorporation in 1995, Pro Softnet Corp. has been utilizing the power of technology by offering net-based solutions and niche Web Software solutions for lots Fortune 100 companies. Pro Softnet also offer iBackup which is aimed squarely at the business arena.

Feature Set

Security

The internet portal is password protected and secured with 128bit SSL encryption during transfer to and from their data centers. When on the servers your information is protected with 256bit AES encryption and there is an ability to set a private key.

Physically, the iDrive utility is managed at data centers in the United States. The world-class facilities are specifically designed with raised floors, HVAC temperature control systems with separate cooling zones and seismically braced racks. They give the best range of physical security features, including state-of-the-art smoke detection and fire suppression systems, motion detectors, round-the-clock secured access, video camera surveillance and security breach alarms.

Backup Features

iDrive backs up your data using block level incrementation so just the bits of the files that are amended get uploaded. Continuous backup is also used to ensure your information is backed up as soon as it changes. Additionally, you can schedule backups for specific times if you want. Unusually for online backup solutions, both network drives and removable drives can be included in the backup set. Yet open and locked files cannot be archived on network and removable drives.
Files and folders can be added to the backup set using right-click on windows computers and there are status notifications and progress indicators to let you know which files are being backed up and which are still awaiting backup.

There is support for up to 30 versions of every file backed up which is great if you need to revert to an earlier version of a document.
If you have loads of information to archive, iDrive offers a 'Rapid Serve' option for a one-off charge of just over $70. When you use this service, iDrive will send you an external USB hard drive to plug into your machine. You can then duplicate all your critical files onto the external drive and send it back to them. They then upload it to your account, reducing the first backup time from weeks to just a few days.

Restore Features

Files can be recovered from the local client by right-clicking on the file or directory you want to restore or from the internet portal by navigating to the file you want restored and picking the edition you wish to recover.

Control and Analysis

There is no processor management yet there are bandwidth controls. Logging and reporting is available from both the net portal and the client program. Support for socks and https proxy servers is also provided.

Interface

There is a admin portal in the basic, Pro and family editions and a far more expanded admin portal in the corporate edition. Multi-account management is available in the Family and SME editions. All packages need the client software.

Device Support

Windows and MAC client computers as well as server computers are supported as well as any net enabled devices via the web portal. There are specific applets for iPhone, Blackberry and Android. There is even a plugin for wordpress to enable you to back up your blog site!

Limitations

The Basic, Pro and Family versions cannot be used commercially.
The Basic and Pro versions allow backup of 1 device; the family edition permits upto five machines per account and the corporate version permits upto 100 accounts.

File Sharing and Collaboration

iDrive is an archiving service, not a collaboration or file sharing service.

Synchronization

Devices are synchronized with the internet portal but not directly with each other. Synchronization of more than on device is only an option in the Family and corp. editions.

Web 2.0 Integration

None.

Customer Support

Phone support is available during business hours only. Live Chat and email support are available. Self-help is available via user guides, white papers, data sheets, FAQs, testimonials, case studies and a demo. There is no forum but there is a blog.
There is no free trial but there is a free version which gives 2Gb of storage.

Ease of Use

The client software takes a few moments to download and setup. In under 5 minutes you will be starting your initial backup. Both the internet and client interfaces are easy to use and with the windows explorer extension installed you can right-click on a file and either archive it instantly or add it to the scheduled backup. Restores are just as easy, if there are multiple versions of a file, then you can choose whichever version you want via date stamp. There is also a extremely nifty search function for all backed up files.

Cost

Initial setup cost: free
Monthly Cost: Basic - free; Pro - $4.95/mth; Family - $14.95/mth; SME - from $9.95/mth to $49.95/mth
Yearly Cost: Basic - free; Pro - $49.50/yr; Family - $149.50/yr; SME - from $99.50/yr to $499.50/yr
Initial allowed storage amount: Basic - 2Gb; Pro - 150Gb; Family - 500Gb; SME - from 50Gb to 500Gb+
Cost of additional storage: SME - $0.50/gb/mth
Cost of additional devices / PCs / users: n/a
E-billing facility: Yes

Conclusion

If you are searching for a simple, no frills web-based archive tool then iDrive is a great choice. The cost is good and the family and business editions provide useful and appropriate add-on functions to let the administration of multiple accounts / devices. The interface is simple and crisp, the client software is light on resource usage and the encoding of your information both in transit and when on their servers is as good as any bank.

Need More Information? Visit the author's website for the best online backup solutions and online storage comparisons.

Review of DropBox Online Storage Solution

Overview and History

Dropbox has been around for a couple of years and they have done excellent things in that tiny amount of time. Notably their VoteBox method that invites you to select which features they work on first: Very clever. You can choose from 3 options: 1 free and 2 premium or pro version. The free edition provides 2 Gb wheras the Premium versions provide you with 50 or 100 Gb. Backup and synchronizing are straightforward to setup and work persistently unnoticed making this a real "set it and forget it" program. The company additionally offer unlimited file versioning as an option to the pro accounts.

PDA devices are fully supported with apps for iPhone and iTouch and a website for online enabled devices. Collaboration features include public and private file and folder sharing as well as commenting on files and folders. With many more features in being developed. Photo albums and video streaming are currenty supported. To get you started on the right track: If you follow their 'getting started guide' and complete most of the steps you get an bonus of 250Mb of storage! Great idea! If you would like even more storage, just invite friends and you get another 250Mb per referral up to a limit of 8Gb.

Dropbox was founded by Drew Houston and Arash Ferdowsi in 2007, and was founded using seed funding from Y Combinator. Today, Dropbox is well-funded by Sequoia Capital, Accel Partners, and Amidzad. Since launching publicly in September of 2008, they have gained more than 3,000,000 customers and are growing swiftly. They have been featured in many major media publications and shows, and have won awards from places like PC Magazine and CNET. Their drive is creating a service that rocks and putting it in millions of people's hands.

Feature Set

Security

DropBox has adaquate security: The web portal is SSL encrypted with a requirement for a username and password to view your data. Files in transit are protected with SSL encryption and when on their servers, your information is encrypted with 256 AES encryption. Additionally, they use the Amazon AWS service which is backed by the Amazon name and quality stamp.

Backup Features

Non-stop and 'Block Level' backups are used to make sure your files are constantly protected. Open files are archived on a continual basis by using 'Block level Incremental Backups' which means that DropBox only backs up the sections of a file that have been changed, instead of the entire file.
Including files and folders to the DropBox archive schedule is a snap: Just choose the files you want to protect and choose 'backup with DropBox'. Different copies of files are saved so you can always restore an earlier edition of a document if you overwrote it. There is a status indicator to indicate how the archive is progressing.
On the downside network and removable drives cannot be included in backups and business databases like exchange and SQL server are not supported directly.

Restore Features

Restoring your data is very easy. There are a couple of main choices: Restore via the web site: Just log in to your account, find the file you wish to retrieve and choose how you woud like to retrieve it. The alternative technique is even easier: Just use the DropBox Manager to restore any editon of a file.

Control and Analysis

There are processor and bandwidth throttling available from the DropBox client software. Reports and logging can also be read from the client software.
Proxy servers are configurable with options for HTTP, SOCKS4 and SOCKS5.

Interface

The interface is graceful and easy to use. There are just a few options available thus keeping everything simple and easy to use. There is client software to setup and once installed, the software makes a DropBox folder where all protected files are displayed.

Device Support

There is currently support for every device under the sun! The way DropBox is designed; if your devices can access the internet then they can make use of DropBox.

Limitations

The web site only supports file uploads of up to 300Mb each however you can bypass this by using compression tools like WinRAR or WinZip which allow you to cut large files into smaller bits. The restiction is not present if you utilize the client software.
File retention (before deletion) is 30 days unless you invest in 'Pack-Rat' which is available as an bolt-on to the pro editions and costs an additional $39 annually and provides you limitless file versions and file retention.

File Sharing and Collaboration

Information can be shared publicly - Allowing everyone to see them - or privately where you setup access rights to desired files and folders for each individual or group.
Photo Albums are supported and are sharable either publicly or privately.
Comments can be appended to each file that is shared and other people can be allowed to make additional comments to create a discussion about a particular file or folder.

Synchronization

Synchronization is supported between different devices and between devices and the web site. An excellent option is the LAN synchronization. This allows users on the same network (home or work) to rapidly synchronize changes locally without going to the internet first. This greatly reduces your internet bandwidth load.

Web 2.0 Integration

At the time of writing, there was no direct integration with online services to allow editing of documents, etc.

Customer Support

There is no phone, live chat or direct email customer support available. There are however, loads other forms of help available: You can contact support using a web form on their site; there is an extensive knowledgebase and FAQ section; the online help is complete to a sensible level. There are also tutorials, a demo and case studies available. However, by far the most useful resources for do-it-yourself support are the forum and blog. These are full of valuable advice and support from both the DropBox staff and individuals using the service.

Ease Of Use

Extremely straightforward to get setup with: Signup, login, download the program on all your machines and start syncing. As of December 2009 there is now a LAN syncronization feature which hugely speeds up local syncing. Both the desktop and web interfaces are clean, elegant and simple to use. Put simply a very easy service to use.

Cost

Cost - Initial setup: free
Cost - Monthly: Basic: free; Pro50 - $9.99 / mth; Pro100 - $19.99 / mth
Cost - Yearly: Basic: free; Pro50 - $99 / mth; Pro100 - $199 / yr
Cost - Initial allowed storage amount: Basic: 2Gb; Pro50 - 50Gb; Pro100 - 100Gb
Cost - of additional storage: n/a
Cost - of additional devices / PCs / users: n/a
Cost - Referral Program: 250Mb per referral up to a max. of 8Gb
Cost - E-billing facility: Free - n/a; Pro: yes

Conclusion

DropBox is really straightforward to setup and use. It offers almost all the features of a complete online storage solution: Backup, Web site, multiple device synchronization, file-versioning, online photo albums and file sharing. The only functionality missing is integration with internet programs to permit you to amend and create files directly in your DropBox. The pricing is fair although there are better options available if you require more storage than 100Gb. The security is very good and the customer support is good, although the lack of phone, live chat and direct email support is a bit limiting. The forum and blog are supurb places to get your problems discussed. If you need an all-round online storage solution then DropBox is an excellent choice.